Preparing to meet a German carrier and battleship group

A combined sortie by Bismarck, Tirpitz, and Graf Zeppelin would take enough preparation for British intelligence to recognize the threat. Britain could recall the modernized Queen Elizabeths from the Indian Ocean to reinforce the King George Vs, with Ark Royal and other carriers also returning. The result could be a carrier battle followed by a clash of battle lines in place of the historical Denmark Strait action. British numbers and logistical support would favor this concentration, while Bismarck and Tirpitz still required different spare-parts provision despite belonging to the same class. German fuel limits make the addition of Scharnhorst and Gneisenau doubtful, and destroyers would escort the group away from Norway before turning back. Reduced U-boat operations could free enough fuel for that smaller group. Prinz Eugen or another cruiser could accompany the force into the Atlantic. Britain could assemble an Illustrious-class carrier, Unicorn, and potentially Furious and Ark Royal, along with other available ships.